The time has finally come to get Kai Unit-08γ and New Unit-02α together for a photoshoot! We're dropping our full review on both figures at once.
Ki Toy Journal Website:https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops
Evangelion's Unit-08, a new addition that debuted in the Rebuild film series, is a design I'm quite fond of.
For an old-school fan like me, the Rebuild series still feels recent, even though it's been over a decade and the units have shown up in numerous Super Robot Wars games. The freshness is still there. I've collected most of the Evangelion figures from The Robot Spirits line, both old and new versions. Of course, in terms of quality, the newer releases are a significant improvement. However, I'd love to see Bandai revisit some of the older, exclusive releases in the new format, like Unit-03, the battle-damaged Unit-00 (with the large missile), and the beast-mode Unit-02!
But let's get back to Unit-08. If you just look at the box contents, your first thought will be, "Wow, what a rip-off!" The accessory count is truly pitiful.
You get a pair of alternate forearms, a signal whip, a large halo effect part for its back, and a handful of optional hands. That's it. Nothing else.
So, is this figure a total bust? Not exactly. Of course, with Bandai, there's always room for improvement; they're clearly capable of doing better. Let's start with the pros:
1. A Beautifully Sculpted and Exquisite Head
"Exquisite" is the word I'd use to describe Unit-08's head sculpt. The color separation on the default head is incredibly detailed. All seven eyes are painted clearly with a shimmering green. The center of the face is a deep purple, surrounded by pink, while the top of the head and "ears" are white with three small red accents. The chin is gray, and the rest of the head is pink. The lines between each color are perfectly clean with zero bleed, making for a top-notch paint application.
The included berserk head, a staple for any EVA figure, is just as impressive in its sculpt and paintwork. The "cracked" eyes reveal a red interior with a beautiful gradient effect. The gaping mouth reveals every single tooth with perfect clarity. You could probably use it in a toothpaste ad, haha.
This berserk head is essential for recreating many scenes from the movie.
Honestly, the quality of the head sculpts alone makes this figure a winner for me.
2. Unique and Finely Crafted Arms
One of Unit-08's key features is its two different sets of arms. The standard arms aren't much to discuss, though their color scheme is slightly different from other EVAs. (In the movie, these arms are regenerated after it "eats" something.)
The other set of arms is the one it uses mid-way through the film. This design is incredibly rich with complex mechanical details. For instance, a pipe connects the elbow to the bicep, creating a linked movement effect. However, this structure also severely limits the arm's range of motion; overextending it will cause the bicep piece to pop off.
3. Meaningful Interaction with New Unit-02α
The figure includes an alternate left hand for New Unit-02α, allowing you to recreate their iconic descent scene from the movie.
Unit-08 can also hold New Unit-02α's weapon, and it feels pretty good in hand. If you're going to buy one of these figures, you really should get them both.
4. Secure Back-Mounted Effect Part
Later in the film, Unit-08 gains a halo. The effect part is easy to install and attaches securely without any risk of falling off.
However, the figure does have some notable flaws:
1. Not Enough Hands for the Standard Arms
When Unit-08 regenerates its original arms in the movie, it gets a full set of capabilities. But this toy doesn't give you many options for them. You only get fists, relaxed hands, and open splayed hands. That's it. There isn't even a trigger hand for holding a rifle. This is frustrating, as it prevents you from using any of the other EVA weapon accessories with it.
2. Swapping Hands on the Special Arms is Difficult
The special arms have so many protruding parts that they're genuinely prickly to handle.
3. Swapping the Arms Requires Patience
The connection port is quite hidden, so you'll need some patience to plug the arms into the correct spot.
4. That Whip is Way Too Flimsy
As the only weapon included, it's incredibly underwhelming. The handle is well-designed and painted, but why is the whip itself so thin and tiny? It has absolutely no presence when posed. Plus, it's difficult to bend into a desired shape, making it a hassle to work with.
Overall, the figure's performance is good, and I quite like it, especially for its great looks. That alone is a strong selling point. However, the sparse accessory count is a major drawback. Without New Unit-02α to interact with, it feels incomplete. But when you pair them up, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts.
Next up, let's talk about New Unit-02α.
New Unit-02α has plenty of things to love, and a few things to hate.
In the final film, this was the most prominent and eye-catching EVA, boasting a versatile arsenal and exaggerated movements that perfectly capture Asuka's style. I absolutely love it; it was a must-buy.
First off, the overall paint job is well-executed. The original design is very distinctive and bold, with an asymmetrical, cobbled-together aesthetic that gives it a "hastily repaired" feel. The only other mechs that come to mind with a similar gloriously damaged look are the Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex and the Gundam Exia Repair I.
1. The Head
This head sculpt is adorable. Of its four eyes, one has been replaced with a cross. The jaw can open for a wild look. And those horns have gotten even longer. It's great to see the progression from no horns to small horns and now to these long ones.
However, as a toy, this head has fallen on the floor more times than I can count. It's incredibly annoying. I'm not sure if it's a problem with my specific copy or a widespread issue, but it just will not stay on.
2. The Arms
The right arm is a standard Unit-02 arm, while the left is a prosthetic. In terms of articulation, the original arm is far superior. However, the hands for the prosthetic arm are beautifully crafted. I often praise the hand sculpts on Robot Spirits figures, and the left hands for New Unit-02α are truly exceptional. The red fingers stand out with no paint slop, and the deep black makes the red pop. The A.T. Field-generating hand is flawless—no complaints there.
3. Torso and Backpack
The backpack hinders the torso's range of motion, though the waist rotation is still decent.
Speaking of the backpack, I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love its design—it's beautiful and has a great military-inspired aesthetic. I hate how heavy it is. My god, it has also fallen off countless times. The saving grace is that it's durable and hasn't broken. A blessing in disguise.
If only it came with some effect parts, it could have been truly radiant.
4. The Legs
Nothing too special here. The leg design is nice, but the ankle articulation is a bit limited.
With the main body covered, let's move on to the weapon.
The only weapon included is a machine gun.
The handle is articulated, and the barrel can rotate, but neither feature really enhances the playability.
What's annoying is that Gundam effect parts are only compatible with Gundam figures.
No matter, we'll make up for it with passion. Just using a hand to support the weapon for poses is worth the effort.
What impresses me most is that this Unit-02 can stand on one leg. It can even bend its standing leg to achieve a natural running pose, which is incredibly rare and deserves absolute praise.
I try to put almost every Gundam figure I own in a single-leg pose, but not all of them can hold it. For some high-end Gundams, the cost of a fall is too high, so I don't dare risk it anymore.
Finally, here are a few more shots of the two units together. Thanks for reading!
Ki Toy Journal Website:https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops